Knowing China through Taiwan

Culture

Jeremy Lin wants 'bigger role' at Lakers

Taiwanese American NBA star Jeremy Lin, who was recently traded by the Houston Rockets to the Los Angeles Lakers, said Sunday that he expects to play a larger role on his new team.

Answering fans' questions at a basketball camp in Taiwan, sponsored by China Airlines, Lin described his trade to the Lakers as "a great opportunity" because he can learn much from his new teammate, Kobe Bryant, four-time NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player and a five-time NBA champion.

"I wish my role could become bigger and more important, and I also wish I could get more playing time next year," said the 25-year-old point guard.

Lin, who is only under contract for one more season, averaged 13.0 points and 5.2 assists in 153 games over the past two seasons with the Rockets. He was moved to the Rockets' bench last season, after starting for the entire 2012-13 season.

The Rockets announced July 13 that it had agreed to trade Lin and a future first-round pick to the Lakers, in a bid to seek a salary cap relief.

Lin, in the midst of a week-long visit to Taiwan, said at a press conference on July 18 that his main goal during summer training is to improve his floater and 3-point shot and to level up his defense skills.

On July 23, Lin is scheduled to participate in a program for GOOD TV, a local Christian TV channel, along with other publicity events.